THE MINUTES OF THE 365TH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 12 August 1992 City Council Caucus Room Room 401 City Hall Present Wayne S. Spilove, Chairman William Brown David Brownlee, Ph.D. Arlene Matzkin, AIA James Cuorato, First Deputy Commerce Director, Commerce Department Barbara Kaplan, Executive Director, City Planning Commission Scott Wilds, Executive Assistant, Office of Housing & Community Development Susan Rabinovitch, Real Estate Developer William Candelori, At Large Bennett Levin, Commissioner of Licenses & Inspections E. Jane Hix, Assistant City Solicitor, Law Department Richard Tyler, Ph.D., Historic Preservation Officer Sara Jane Elk, Historical Research Technician Ira Kauderer, Executive Secretary Also Ted Beitchman, Office of the Mayor Herb Vederman, Office of the Mayor Terry Gillen, Department of Commerce George Shmidheiser, Temple University The Minutes of the 364th Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, held 8 July 1992, Wayne S. Spilove, Chairman. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Mr. Spilove, seconded by Mr. Wilds and approved by unanimous vote. The Report of the Architectural Committee of the Philadelphia Historical Commission held 27 July 1992, Arlene Matzkin, Chairperson. Approval In Concept Vesper Boat Club, #10 Boat House Row: The Committee recommended conceptual approval of plans presented by architect Lisa Armstrong. These plans call for altering an unsympathetic 1950s addition to the boathouse thereby creating a neo-Victorian addition. This new section will house a women's locker room and social space. The THE 365TH STATED MEETING 2 12 August 1992 applicants will return to the Architectural Committee next month for final approval. Ms. Matzkin moved to approve this proposal in concept. Mr. Brownlee seconded the motion. The Commission voted unanimously to adopt the motion for approval in concept. Approval Thirtieth Street Station, General Interior Commercial Design Guidelines: To understand the context in which commercial activity will exist, the Committee had architect Sherman Aronson present the plans for the establishment of a market in the station's south concourse. The Committee considers this market's design sophisticated and in keeping with the architecture of the station. Approval Bucks County Coffee, Thirtieth Street Station, 30th & Market Streets: The committee recommended approval of this specific project which will add a coffee shop to the south concourse of 30th Street Station. Ms. Matzkin made a motion that the Commission approve the plans as presented. Mr. Brownlee seconded the motion. The Commission voted unanimously to adopt the motion for approval. Approval 314 S. Tenth Street:
this specific project which will add a coffee shop to the south concourse of 30th Street Station. Ms. Matzkin made a motion that the Commission approve the plans as presented. Mr. Brownlee seconded the motion. The Commission voted unanimously to adopt the motion for approval. Approval 314 S. Tenth Street: The committee recommended approval for proposed changes to this 1837 rowhouse which include cornice repair, new shutters, and the construction of a new brick garden wall. The architectural committee noted that the Washington Square West Project Area Committee has similarly approved these plans. Ms. Matzkin moved that the Commission approve these plans Mr. Wilds seconded this motion. The Commission voted unanimously to adopt the motion for approval. Approval 4501 Fisher's Lane, Harvey Rowland House: The Committee recommended approval of plans to restore this 18th century residence to its 19th century appearance and for the construction of a one-story addition to the building. The potential new owners of this uncommon historic resource agreed to remove alterations to this building made last year without Historical Commission approval. This will involve the removal of vinyl siding, shutters, and cladding THE 365TH STATED MEETING 3 12 August 1992 on the dormers and other areas. The new owners will also restore the formerly existing wooden shutters and decorative bargeboard. Of last year's alterations, only the asphalt shingle roof will remain in place of the 19th century standing seam metal roof. The proposed new one-story rear addition along Ramona Avenue will set far back from the primary elevation. Ms. Matzkin noted the support of the Frankford United Neighbors with appreciation. Ms. Matzkin moved to recommend approval of this project. Ms. Kaplan seconded the motion. The Commission voted unanimously to adopt the motion for approval. Disapproval College Hall at Temple University, 1801-1835 N. Broad Street The Committee recommended disapproval of Temple's plan to replace all of College Hall's existing wooden windows with aluminum replacement windows. As part of a state-funded renovation of College Hall, Temple submitted plans which call for aluminum windows all around. The large window openings facing Broad Street make it impossible to use double hung aluminum windows on that facade. Instead, the University proposed awning-type aluminum windows containing false muntins. Mr. George Shmidheiser of Temple explained that Temple prefers aluminum over wooden windows because they consider them less costly to maintain and better able to provide sound insulation. The Committee agreed to recommending Temple
hung aluminum windows on that facade. Instead, the University proposed awning-type aluminum windows containing false muntins. Mr. George Shmidheiser of Temple explained that Temple prefers aluminum over wooden windows because they consider them less costly to maintain and better able to provide sound insulation. The Committee agreed to recommending Temple to replace the windows on the side and rear facades with aluminum double hung windows that match the profile of the original wooden ones, put insisted on wooden windows for the front facade. Mr. Schmidheiser asked the Commission if it would accept fixed aluminum windows on the front of College Hall. Mr. Wilds replied that since a compromise had already been worked out with the Architectural Committee, the Commission should neither undermine this decision nor re-open the issue. Mr. Tyler added that if Temple agrees to maintain the historic integrity of College Hall's Broad Street facade, it may strengthen the University's case with the State Bureau for Historic Preservation, which has indicated that it will require replacement of all windows in wood. Ms. Matzkin added that the Committee recommends approval of Temple's plans for metal window grills which would match the THE 365TH STATED MEETING 4 12 August 1992 gates adjoining the building. Ms. Matzkin moved to approve the compromise plan proposed by the Architectural Committee whereby Temple would use wooden double hung windows on the Broad Street facade and aluminum double hung windows made to match the originals on the side and rear facades. Ms. Matzkin also moved to approve the proposed metal window grills. Ms. Kaplan seconded this motion. The Commission voted unanimously to disapprove Temple's proposal and asked them to return to the Committee with plans reflective of the above compromise. The Report on Staff Activities, July 1992, Richard Tyler, Historic Preservation Officer. Mr. Tyler reported that a prospective buyer intends to offer $150,000.00 for the Royal Theater on the 1500 block of South Street. Although the Commission's independent appraisal of the property is not yet available, as cleared land appraisers value the site at $225,00.00. Since the theater may burden the land in its present condition, $150,000.00 seems to be a fair price. Mr. Tyler added that the prospective buyer proposes to rehabilitate the Royal Theater as a performing arts center. Tyler expressed hope that a restored theater would have an invigorating effect on the area. Ms. Kaplan noted that such a project would be consistent
$150,000.00 seems to be a fair price. Mr. Tyler added that the prospective buyer proposes to rehabilitate the Royal Theater as a performing arts center. Tyler expressed hope that a restored theater would have an invigorating effect on the area. Ms. Kaplan noted that such a project would be consistent with the Avenue of the Arts concept. In other business, Mr. Spilove and Mr. Tyler welcomed Ira Kauderer to the position of Executive Secretary. New Business Mr. Tyler recalled David Hollenberg's invaluable service to the Architecture Committee from 1985 to 1992 and reminded Commission members that because Mr. Hollenberg joined the National Park Service earlier this year he resigned as chairperson of the Architectural Committee. The Ethics Committee at the Park Service, however, has allowed for Mr. Hollenberg to resume his activity with the committee. Mr. Tyler recommended that the Commission re-appoint David Hollenberg to the Architectural Committee. Ms. Matzkin moved to reappoint Mr. Hollenberg to the Architectural Committee. Dr. Brownlee seconded the motion. The Commission unanimously voted to approve Mr. Hollenberg's reappointment to the Architecture Committee. Purchase of New PC computer Mr. Tyler noted the age of the Historical Commission computers, purchased in 1985. Recently, OHCD and the Department of Public THE 365TH STATED MEETING 5 12 August 1992 Property have provided the Commission with one computer each. The fiscal 1993 budget will allow for the purchase of a third computer. Mr. Tyler requested that the Commission approve the expenditure of not more than $1229.00 from the Batten Fund for the purchase of a fourth computer. Dr. Brownlee moved that the Commission authorize the expenditure of up to $1229.00 from the Batten Fund for the purchase of a new computer for the Staff's offices. Mr. Wilds seconded the motion. The Commission voted unanimously to adopt the motion to spend not more than $1229.00 for the purchase of a new computer. Certified Local Government, Educational Session on 19th century Philadelphia Architecture, Dr. David Brownlee, Architectural Historian. To maintain Certified Local Government status the National Park Service requires the Philadelphia Historical Commission to present eight hours of preservation education per year. In partial fulfillment of this obligation Dr. David Brownlee presented Commission members with an overview of architecture in Philadelphia from 1800 to 1890. After the lecture and slide show Mr. Spilove thanked Dr. Brownlee on behalf of the Commission for an informative and interesting presentation. There being no further business
In partial fulfillment of this obligation Dr. David Brownlee presented Commission members with an overview of architecture in Philadelphia from 1800 to 1890. After the lecture and slide show Mr. Spilove thanked Dr. Brownlee on behalf of the Commission for an informative and interesting presentation. There being no further business the Commission adjourned at 11:45 A.M. Respectfully submitted, Ira Kauderer, Executive Secretary [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Signature on the line above "Ira Kauderer, Executive Secretary" — cursive signature reading "Ira Kauderer"]